Drug and Alcohol Abuse Terminology It is commonly said that if you think that you might have a substance abuse problem, then you probably have a substance abuse problem. Substance abuse is the emotional and/or physical reliance upon an intoxicating substance and can detrimentally affect a person's health in both the short and long term. Substances can include alcohol, prescription drugs, non-medically classified drugs or toxins. If you believe that you, a friend or a family member might need information on or treatment for substance abuse, then here is a list of terms that might help you to understand the condition:

Delirium Tremens: An alcohol withdrawal characterized by nausea, hallucinations, seizures, disorientation, sweating and paranoia. It generally occurs within 48 hours after alcohol intake has ceased, and might be preceded by a milder form of alcohol withdrawal.

Withdrawal Syndrome: A group of symptoms of variable severity, which occur after having ceased the consumption of an intoxicating substance and are indicative of physical substance dependence. Symptoms are time limited and vary depending upon the substance. Symptoms include depression, nausea, malaise, anxiety, muscle aches and chills. Generally, the characteristics of withdrawal syndrome are the opposite of intoxication.

Detox: Detox, or detoxification, is the withdrawal from the effects of chemical ingestion. It can also be defined as a procedure wherein the substance addict is withdrawn from the chemical influences of his or her addiction in a clinical environment under a physician's supervision. Patients are often aided by the controlled administration of medications.

Agonist: A controlled substance administered by a clinic designed to mimic the effects of a narcotic. A common agonist is methadone.

Alcohol Flush Reaction: A condition occurring after the ingestion of alcohol, characterized by the flushing of the face and neck and often accompanied by dizziness, nausea and palpitations. Alcohol flush syndrome often occurs when patients taking alcohol sensitizing drugs consume alcoholic beverages.

Barbiturate: A type of central nervous system depressant, typically clinically administered as a sedative. Common barbiturates are phenobarbital and secobarbital.

National Institute on Drug AbuseA national association providing communities nationwide with information about drug abuse and addiction treatment. If you need of information or treatment, our association can get you the help you need!

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Admin.Our association facilitates proper treatment for drug addiction and abuse in Irvine and nationally. Addiction Treatment is the first step to recovery and we help you find footing for it in Irvine!

Journey Trauma RecoveryFor individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addictions, visit our Addiction Treatment center in the Irvine area. We focus on Drug Abuse Addiction Information services in our therapeutic and relaxing environment led by experienced counselors who will help to heal emotional wounds and those struggling with trauma.

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According to statistics provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 21.8 million Americans reported using illegal drugs in 2009. Drug abuse and addiction can become so powerful that the addict is willing to gamble family relationships, security and health in order to keep using. When seeking out information about treatment options for yourself or a loved one struggling with addiction, here are some questions to ask.

Is your treatment center accredited?
Third-party non-profit organizations accredit rehab facilities based on such information as success rates, record keeping and staffing. If the center is not accredited, find out the facts about patient recovery rates and employee credentials.

How does your program handle the detoxification process?
Detoxification from such substances as heroin, methamphetamine, alcohol and cocaine can lead to wrenching withdrawal symptoms, and it’s vital to ensure that personnel employ compassion and intelligence throughout this difficult process. Some programs don’t allow admissions until after detoxification is complete.

Do you provide methadone prescriptions?
For morphine and heroin addicts, find out about whether a methadone prescription will be provided. While methadone does not produce a high like other opiates, it is actually considered more addictive than the drugs it treats.

How do you help with prevention against relapse?
Behavioral therapy in individual and group settings that addresses mental health issues such as depression and stress management is one tool to fight against relapse. And programs based on the 12 Steps can give addicts and alcoholics an accessible, effective means of finding community support.

What are my treatment options for smoking, caffeine addiction, or other less severe addictions?
Problem drinking, nicotine addiction, the need for caffeine and other such issues, while not necessarily dire, can derail one’s health and lead to eventual death. These problems can be treated through counseling services, gradual cessation programs, and support groups.